Tehama County schools chief to retire

Tehama County Superintendent of Schools Larry Champion will retire at the end of his term.

Champion announced his retirement, effective Jan. 2, 2015, in a press release Friday.

?We've moved a lot of things forward in the past five-and-ahalf years.

The formation of Expect More Tehama as a community collaborative has been very powerful,? Champion said in a release of the accomplishments that have made him most proud.

?Additionally, we're putting the finishing touches on the Lincoln Street School building, which was made possible by funding from the state, preschool enrollment is at an all-time high, four of our smallest school districts consolidated to make the best use of resources, and the department has been able to maintain award-winning programs and services, even in the face of severe budgetary constraints, to name a few.?

Champion took over as Superintendent July 1, 2008 after being appointed to take over for the retiring Bob Douglas. He was elected to the position in 2010, after running unopposed in the election.

Prior to becoming Superintendent, Champion had a 40-year career in education with numerous jobs both as a teacher and in administration.

He worked in Plumas County from 1973 to 1999 when he came to Tehama as Associate County Superintendent.

Champion received the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association's Professional Publications Award for his work reinventing for modern day the ?County Courses of Study? ? a widely used set of publications, which began as standard course outlines in 1974.

During his tenure as county superintendent, the Tehama County Department of Education won four Golden Bells from the California School Boards Association.

The awards are considered the Academy Awards of the state educational system.

Champion said during his final year he will focus on the state's new testing system, Common Core State Standards, more local control of funding and continuing building projects.

The latter will include the acquisition and ground breaking for a new state-funded special education facility.

Champion said while he will enjoy more time with his family, he intends to continue his role in the community following his retirement.

Two candidates have already filed paperwork to appear on the June ballot for County Superintendent of Schools.

The candidates are Champion's Deputy Superintendent Charles Allen and former Evergreen Union School District Superintendent Harley North.

--------- Rich Greene can be reached at 527-2151, Ext. 109 or by email at rgreene@redbluffdailynews.c om.